Unlocking success through curiosity in business
There is a hidden power in curiosity in the workplace as it is more than just a personal trait; it’s a strategic advantage for business. While many leaders acknowledge the value of inquisitiveness, it often goes underutilised. Fostering curiosity in the team can grow sales, unlock innovative solutions, improve decision-making, and future-proof the business against rapidly changing market conditions.
Studies show that curious employees are not only more creative, but also better problem solvers. These people tend to explore new possibilities, challenge assumptions, and identify alternative solutions. This was echoed in a survey where 92% of respondents credited curiosity with generating new ideas and boosting motivation and performance.
Employees who are curious are less likely to fall prey to biases or stereotyping. Instead, they actively seek diverse perspectives and information, allowing for the generation of alternative solutions to complex challenges. It also triggers a more collaborative environment, where teams ask more questions, engage in meaningful discussions, and collectively explore innovative solutions.
Despite its benefits, curiosity is stifled in some organisations, thankfully not at Kyocera. Some leaders may fear that encouraging curiosity will lead to inefficiency or disrupt existing workflows, but history teaches us that companies overly focused on efficiency over exploration, like Ford in the 1920s, often miss out on key opportunities for innovation and fall behind competitors.
The business case for curiosity is clear. Organisations that prioritise curiosity see fewer decision-making errors, enhanced innovation, and reduced conflicts among teams. Additionally, curiosity improves team performance by fostering open communication and trust.
Curiosity isn’t just a soft skill, it is a competitive advantage and leaders can create a more curious workforce by asking thoughtful questions, promoting learning over performance, and offering time for employees to explore new ideas. By ask ourselves: What more can we learn? How can we approach this challenge differently? And What are we missing?, we help foster a culture of curiosity that drives growth, innovation, and long-term success.
Einstein once said: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when one contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvellous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries to comprehend only a little of this mystery every day.”
Hazel Mosai - Channel Sales Manager - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa
